ASTM D 1461 - 85 STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR MOISTURE IN BITUMINOUS PAVING MIXTURES Scope This test method covers the determination, by bituminous paving mixtures. sct measurement, of moisture of the bitumen in Apparatus ‘Metal Still : A vertical cylindrical still (refer original document for details). Condenser : A condenser of water-cooled reflux glass-tube type. Trap : A glass trap of 10 or 25 mL capacity (refer original document for details). Solvent : For general use, an aromatic solvent is preferred, since it has high solvency and dispersing power for most bituminous materials. Xylene, or a blend of 20 % toluene and 80 % xylene, is recommended. For asphalts and similar petroleum products, a petroleum distillate, 5 % boiling between 90 and 100 °C and 90 % distilling below 210 °C may be used. For coal-tar, wwater-gas tar, and similar materials, the aromatic solvent must be used. Heating Device : Any satisfactory source of heat that will be capable of maintaining a rate of distillation of 85 to 95 drops/min Preparation of Test Specimens “Thoroughly mix the sample and weigh out an amount estimated to show a percentage of moisture or diluent within the capacity of the trap calibration. Keep the remainder of the sample in its tightly covered container. The weighed sample should be preferably not less than 500 g for normal mixtures, Thoroughly break up this sample to avoid larger lumps, and place it in the stil Procedure -After the sample has been placed in the still, add 200 mL of the solvent and quickly stir it into the sample, -Assemble the components of the apparatus making all connections vapor and liquid tight. Insert a gasket of heavy paper, moistened with water between the still body and cover. The condenser tube and trap must be chemically clean to assure free drainage of water into the bottom of the trap Insert a loose cotton plug in the tip of the condenser to prevent condensation of atmospheric moisture inside it. Circulate cold water through the jacket of the condenser. -Apply heat at such a rate that refluxing will start within 5 to 10 min after the heat has been ‘applied and the condenser solvent will drip into the trap at a rate of 85 t0 95 drops/min. Continue the distillation until three successive readings of the trap at 15 min intervals show no increase in the amount of water being condensed, except that in no case shall distillation continue for more than 1 1/2h Allow the contents of the trap to reach room temperature and read the volume of water in the trap to the nearest scale division, Record the volume of water and calculate in weight percent as explained in calculation section. 40Calculation -Calculate the moisture content as follows: ‘Water, % = ( volume of water in trap / weight of sample ) x 100 en